The Columbus Crew have signed Crew 2 midfielder Tarun Karumanchi to a First Team contract through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season with annual Club options each of the next three seasons (through June 2030).

The 23-year-old, who has appeared in the Crew’s past two matches, was selected by Columbus in the second round (49th overall) of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft and signed to a Crew 2 contract on March 20.

“Tarun has demonstrated strong qualities since he started training with the First Team during the preseason, and he’s earned this opportunity based on his eagerness to develop and professional attitude, especially as he worked to come back from his injury,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall.

“Tarun’s production and work ethic have been consistent in training and matches while integrating into our First Team environment. We look forward to his continued development further as both a player and person with the Black & Gold.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to be signing my contract with the Columbus Crew. This is a moment I’ll never forget,” said Karumanchi. “From being drafted to battling through an injury in preseason, to earning my place on the roster, every step has made this moment even more meaningful.”

Against NYCFC on July 22nd, Karumanchi became only the second Crew 2 player to start a First Team match (Cesar Ruvalcaba vs. NYCFC, March 22, 2025) and one of five to make an MLS appearance. The midfielder also started in the First Team friendly against England’s Burnley Football Club on July 12. 

Karumanchi started all 19 matches that he played for UCLA during the 2025 season. He was the Bruins’ team captain, leading the team to its first Big Ten Championship. He anchored the backline that posted shutouts against top-seeded Maryland in the Big Ten Conference semifinal and Michigan in the final.

A native of San Ramon, Calif., Karumanchi registered 68 appearances (61 starts) and three assists from 2022-25, guiding UCLA to the 2023 Pac-12 regular season championship.

His academic accolades include 2025 All-Big Ten Academic Honors, 2024 Fall Academic All-Big Ten, and UCLA Director’s Honor Roll. Prior to UCLA, he spent time with the San Jose Earthquakes Academy and participated in a U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team training camp in 2022.